Driver's seat expert to try cabaret

Advance photo/Barton HorowitzAl Lambert shares thoughts on the music of Frank Sinatra in his office at Villa Marin Pontiac, Buick, GMC and Cadillac in New Dorp.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- EAST SHORE -- To say Al Lambert is a "respected" member of two professions would be an understatement. In auto sales since his youth, the co-general manager of Villa Marin Pontiac, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, in New Dorp, has proven his honesty and integrity over decades. And in his other career, as a singer, he's also a sought-after commodity.

"Al Lambert, in my opinion, is an institution on Staten Island," said Richard Nicotra, president of the Nicotra Group, builder and operator of the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield. "I personally go back with him to the days when he used to work at the JC Penney in the Forest Avenue Shopping Plaza ... And to prove to you that he's much older than I am, my mother would make him watch me in the store when she shopped."

Although the hotelier and developer may joke a bit when talking about the 63-year-old singer/salesman, he doesn't fool around when discussing Al's singing ability or his own commitment to his businesses, such as Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret, in the Hilton Garden Inn.

The room is a popular venue for top-notch entertainment, having featured the likes of Julie Budd, Julius La Rosa and Andrea McArdle. Now, anticipation is building, months in advance, for Al's first appearance at Lorenzo's -- and according to Nicotra, that shouldn't come as a surprise to those who have heard the singer in the past.

"We're very proud to be able to bring him to Lorenzo's because we have tried to keep the bar very high here," said the hotelier. "Our cabaret is filled with Tony Award-winners, and Emmy Award-winners, and even a few Oscar nominees. .¤.¤. We do want to promote local talent, but the talent has to be worthy of Lorenzo's Cabaret -- and certainly, Al has proven that he is worthy of performing in a great cabaret room."

Slated for Aug. 23, the aptly named "Al Lambert Show: The Great American Song Book" will feature songs associated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and others who, together, sculpted their unique brand of timeless music.

Al, who marked his 47th anniversary in show business earlier in the year, is known for a silky-smooth voice and vibrant multi-octave range that regularly bring audiences to their feet. In addition to high-profile gigs, including a tour with the late Rodney Dangerfield, he has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for a number of Island charities.

Al is a clone-like South Shore Rotarian who often seems to be in multiple locations at the same time. He never appears to spread himself thin as he travels throughout the Island supporting countless charitable causes and not-for-profit groups, among them the Global Medical Relief Fund; Meals on Wheels; Staten Island Blind Society; Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island; the Billy Heidler Foundation, On Your Mark, Special Olympics, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and some 30 others.

As chairman and producer of the annual South Shore Rotary Show, he has been instrumental in raising about $300,000 for local causes. Since 1970, the Mariners Harbor native likely has helped to raise over $1 million in charitable funds.

And then, there's the music!

Each and every time he performs, there's an almost tangible excitement that Al and his audience share together.

"It's just an amazing thing," said Al. "Nothing could ever replace the excitement and the thrill of working with the best musicians available," he said.

Fans and Island newcomers won't want to miss Al's performance at Lorenzo's, as it may be his only nightclub appearance this summer. Al enjoys hearing from fans -- so here's his private cell number: 917-495-4236. Well, it's not so private any more.

Barton Horowitz is the Advance senior business writer/columnist. He may be reached by e-mail at horowitz@siadvance.com.